the role of partnerships in amplifying social impact.

Driving social value in the facilities management (FM) sector isn’t something any one organisation can achieve alone. Real, meaningful impact requires collaboration—leveraging the expertise, reach, and resources of multiple stakeholders to create a greater collective force for good. That’s why partnerships are at the heart of our approach at Randstad. By aligning with organisations that share our commitment to social responsibility, we amplify our impact, ensuring that social value initiatives don’t just exist but thrive.

why partnerships matter in FM.

FM companies operate at the intersection of multiple industries, serving diverse clients, suppliers, and communities. In this dynamic space, partnerships are instrumental in:

• Expanding Opportunities for Marginalised Groups: From hiring initiatives to skills development programmes, working with like-minded partners allows us to reach and uplift underrepresented communities more effectively.
• Advancing Mental Health Support: No single company can solve the mental health crisis alone, but through strategic collaborations, we can make a tangible difference in employee well-being.
• Balancing Global and Local Impact: Partnerships enable FM providers to execute social value strategies that are globally aligned but locally responsive, ensuring relevance across different regions and demographics.

our key partnership areas.

inclusivity: unlocking opportunities for all.

Randstad is committed to breaking down barriers to employment for marginalised groups. Through partnerships, we support a wide range of individuals, including women, refugees, disabled and neurodivergent individuals, racially minoritised communities, and those facing long-term unemployment.

We are also deeply invested in initiatives such as the Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL) programme, helping individuals transition from incarceration into meaningful work. Similarly, our engagement with the Armed Forces community ensures that veterans and service members have access to sustainable career pathways. By fostering these partnerships, we not only create opportunities for those who need them most but also enrich workplaces with diverse talent and perspectives.

mental health: strengthening workplace well-being.

Employee well-being is fundamental to an effective FM workforce. Our ongoing collaboration with the Lighthouse Charity provides essential emotional, physical, and financial support to individuals in the construction sector, including a 24/7 helpline tailored to industry needs.

Our exciting new partnership with the Mental Health Foundation aims to drive research and fundraising efforts aimed at tackling mental health inequalities across the UK. These collaborations reinforce our commitment to ensuring that employees at all levels have access to the support they need to thrive in the workplace.

global vs. local: the key to sustainable social value.

As FM companies operate across diverse geographies, one of the biggest challenges is balancing global sustainability goals with local social value initiatives. A one-size-fits-all strategy doesn’t work—what resonates in one region may not be relevant in another.

Mitie captures this well:

At Randstad, we believe in a flexible, community-centric approach. While our overarching sustainability and social impact goals provide direction, we work closely with local partners to ensure our initiatives are meaningful and impactful at a grassroots level. Whether it’s tailoring mental health support to the unique needs of a given workforce or ensuring our employment programs align with local economic realities, adaptability is key.

the power of collaboration.

The FM sector has a unique opportunity to lead on social value through collaboration. By forging strong, strategic partnerships, we can expand our reach, deliver more targeted support, and create a lasting, positive impact for employees, clients, and communities alike.

This is the second in our Social Value in FM series. Next, we’ll be sharing a practical guide with a downloadable template for implementing best-practice social value initiatives in your organisation. Stay tuned!